Residents of Abuja and its environs will have a rare view of the Women Africa Cup of Nations trophy – the most coveted diadem in African women football – when the Super Falcons arrive in the Nigeria’s capital city later today.
According to NFF general secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, the victorious contingent is scheduled to touch down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at noon and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is making arrangements to have the team move to the Presidential Villa in an open-roof bus along populated districts, with the iconic trophy in view for onlookers.
“We are making arrangements to have a trophy parade with the players and their coaches in an open-roof bus, and plying through Airport Road, Berger junction, Maitama and Wuse Market areas all the way to the Presidential Villa. This will afford a good number of people in those areas to have a rare sight of the Women AFCON trophy,” Dr Sanusi, said on Sunday’s evening.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) is scheduled to host the team at the Presidential Villa this afternoon.
The Super Falcons accomplished a record-extending 10th Women AFCON title triumph on Saturday night, with a come-from-behind 3-2 defeat of hosts Morocco at Rabat’s Stade Olympique.
Meanwhile, in a post-match video call with team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, her teammates, and Nigerian officials, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulated the team on securing a record 10th continental title, uplifting the nation’s spirits.
“I am immensely proud of you. The entire nation is proud of you. You have lifted our spirits. You are a source of pride for your generation, and we are all very happy.
“You will be celebrated, and I extend my congratulations to all the coaches and management of the team, including the ministers and officials,” he stated in a message from his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
The President conveyed his best wishes to Rasheedat Ajibade, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and received the Woman of the Tournament award.
He also praised Esther Okoronkwo’s composure during a critical moment in the final, describing her 64th-minute penalty kick, which initiated a dramatic comeback, as “very courageous.”
Okoronkwo created the second goal and delivered the decisive free-kick that Jennifer Echegini converted to secure Nigeria’s 3-2 victory.
“Safe journey home, enjoy yourselves, avoid injuries, and may God bless you,” the President told the jubilant players and officials, who repeatedly responded with, “Thank you, Mr President!”
In her response on behalf of the team, Ajibade thanked the President for approving the full payment of players’ allowances. She assured him that the team was eager to present him with the WAFCON trophy in Abuja.
The lively exchange concluded with a spirited rendition of the national anthem and three resounding “Gbosa!” cheers for the President.
Also, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo described the team’s resilience in the 3-2 comeback victory as the embodiment of Nigeria’s unyielding spirit.
Osinbajo lauded the team’s fighting spirit and composed brilliance on the biggest stage, saying Nigeria had once again proven that “Naija no dey carry last.”
“What happened tonight in Rabat was vintage Naija,” Osinbajo wrote on his official X handle. “Two goals down. A stadium roaring. But our @nigeriasuperfalcons? They did not panic. They adjusted their wings.”
He singled out the composure of Esther Okoronkwo, who calmly converted a penalty to begin the comeback, and praised Gift Ijamilusi for drawing Nigeria level before Jennifer Echegini’s decisive set piece sealed the win.
“Okoronkwo stepped up and converted the penalty with the composure of someone solving a constitutional crisis. Ijamilusi brought us level — calm, clinical, confident. And just when Morocco thought the drama had peaked, Echegini delivered a set piece that felt like it was signed, sealed, and sent from Abuja,” he said.
Osinbajo concluded his post with a rousing reminder of Nigeria’s enduring resilience:
“We play with fire in our feet and faith in our future. Because we may bend, but we never break. And in case the world needs a reminder… Naija no dey carry last.”
On his part, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau said the victory was a testament to the girls’ resilience, talent, and unyielding national spirit.
“I congratulate the Super Falcons, and indeed all Nigerians, on our team’s historic victory at the 2025 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
“This victory is a testament to our players’ resilience, talent, and unyielding national spirit. It is a moment of immense pride and celebration for our nation,” Senator Barau said in a
The Deputy President of the Senate added that the Super Falcons have once again proven Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football.
“The team’s determination, discipline, and passion throughout the tournament are commendable. It inspires a new generation of Nigerian girls to believe in the power of their dreams.
“Kudos to the coaching crew, the Nigerian Football Federation, and all stakeholders who contributed to the team’s success,” he said in a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja by his Media Adviser, Ismail Mudashir.
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